Area storm relief drive expands

A main collection point on Gum Branch Road has been added to locations receiving items for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Anyone wanting to donate relief items to those affected by storms in New York and New Jersey are asked to drop off those items at 1200 Gum Branch Road, in the parking lot of Habitat for Humanity, organizers said.

The trailer at that location is manned seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by the Knights of Columbus No. 3574 from Infant of Prague Catholic Church.

All nonperishable food and other items, including bottled water, batteries, blankets, generators, tarps, paper plates, paper towels, tissue paper, trash bags and any other appropriate items are being accepted.

Several churches, civic groups, small and large businesses, and residents have made contributions, said Jacksonville businessman Chris Luna who organized the collection drive.

“This is what we do as residents of Jacksonville and Onslow County,” Luna said. “We are mindful that charity begins at home as we come to the humanitarian aid of our fellow American neighbors to the north.”

He has dubbed the effort to help residents in New York and New Jersey hit by recent storms “neighbors helping neighbors.”

Luna said he spent the weekend picking up bulk donations from Sam’s Club that were made by several local businesses in the Jacksonville area. While every donation is important to achieve maximum payload of donated items, Luna has been suggesting corporate donors consider a purchase from Sam’s Club.

“Sam’s has waived the required membership and has created an at-cost price list for humanitarian disaster relief items only,” Luna said. “Simply make your purchase, leave your receipt with Store Manager Steven Searcy, who has a special file made for our efforts, and then I will pick the items up in my flatbed truck and transport it to the main collection site.”

He said if more than one individual in a business, church or other organization wants to make a collective effort for the cause, it would be prudent to consider this alternative to contributing rather than individual participation, Luna said. For example a pallet of water costs $240, which is equal to 10 people contributing $24. A pallet of rice priced at $790 equals 10 people contributing $79 each.

“These are just a few ideas I have, but will certainly appreciate others from management or leadership positions,” he said, adding he was looking for information on where to obtain free boxes in which to place the items.

The City of Jacksonville has set up three designated as drop off points for the needed items: Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center at 100 Recreation Loop, City Hall at 815 New Bridge St. and Fire Station 3 at 190 Huff Drive.

For more information call 910-577-5522.

Contact Daily News Senior Reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8455 or lindell.kay@jdnews.com. Follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook @ 1lindell.